Professional Documents
Culture Documents
My College Education
My College Education
The first class I went to in college was philosophy, and it changed my life forever. Our first
assignment was to write a short response paper to the Albert Camus essay “The Myth of
Sisyphus.” I was extremely nervous about the assignment as well as college. However, through
all the confusion in philosophy class, many of my questions about life were answered. I
entered college intending to earn a degree in engineering. I always liked the way mathematics
had right and wrong answers. I understood the logic and was very good at it. So when I
received my first philosophy assignment that asked me to write my interpretation of the
Camus essay, I was instantly confused. What is the right way to do this assignment, I
wondered? I was nervous about writing an incorrect interpretation and did not want to get my
first assignment wrong. Even more troubling was that the professor refused to give us any
guidelines on what he was looking for; he gave us total freedom. He simply said, “I want to see
what you come up with.” Full of anxiety, I first set out to read Camus’s essay several times to
make sure I really knew what was it was about. I did my best to take careful notes. Yet even
after I took all these notes and knew the essay inside and out, I still did not know the right
answer. What was my interpretation? I could think of a million different ways to interpret the
essay, but which one was my professor looking for? In math class, I was used to examples and
explanations of solutions. This assignment gave me nothing; I was completely on my own to
come up with my individual interpretation. Next, when I sat down to write, the words just did
not come to me. My notes and ideas were all present, but the words were lost. I decided to try
every prewriting strategy I could find. I brainstormed, made idea maps, and even wrote an
outline. Eventually, after a lot of stress, my ideas became more organized and the words fell on
the page. I had my interpretation of “The Myth of Sisyphus,” and I had my main reasons for
interpreting the essay. I remember being unsure of myself, wondering if what I was saying
made sense, or if I was even on the right track. Through all the uncertainty, I continued writing
the best I could. I finished the conclusion paragraph, had my spouse proofread it for errors,
and turned it in the next day simply hoping for the best. Then, a week or two later, came
judgment day. The professor gave our papers back to us with grades and comments. I
remember feeling simultaneously afraid and eager to get the paper back in my hands. It turned
out, however, that I had nothing to worry about. The professor gave me an A on the paper,
and his notes suggested that I wrote an effective essay overall. He wrote that my reading of
the essay was very original and that my thoughts were well organized. My relief and newfound
confidence upon reading his comments could not be overstated. What I learned through this
process extended well beyond how to write a college paper. I learned to be open to new
challenges. I never expected to enjoy a philosophy class and always expected to be a math and
science person. This class and assignment, however, gave me the self-confidence, critical-
thinking skills, and courage to try a new career path. I left engineering and went on to study
law and eventually became a lawyer. More important, that class and paper helped me
understand education differently. Instead of seeing college as a direct stepping stone to a
career, I learned to see college as a place to first learn and then seek a career or enhance an
existing career. By giving me the space to express my own interpretation and to argue for my
own values, my philosophy class taught me the importance of education for education’s sake.
That realization continues to pay dividends every day.
Letter to the City
To: Lakeview Department of Transportation
From: A Concerned Citizen
The intersection of Central Avenue and Lake Street is dangerous and demands immediate
consideration for the installation of a controlling mechanism. I have lived in Lakeview my
entire life, and during that time I have witnessed too many accidents and close calls at that
intersection. I would like the Department of Transportation to answer this question: how many
lives have to be lost on the corner of Central Avenue and Lake Street before a street light or
stop sign is placed there? Over the past twenty years, the population of Lakeview has
increased dramatically. This population growth has put tremendous pressure on the city’s
roadways, especially Central Avenue and its intersecting streets. At the intersection of Central
Avenue and Lake Street it is easy to see how serious this problem is. For example, when I try to
cross Central Avenue as a pedestrian, I frequently wait over ten minutes for the cars to clear,
and even then I must rush to the median. I will then have to continue to wait until I can finally
run to the other side of the street. On one hand, even as a physically fit adult, I can run only
with significant effort and care. Expecting a senior citizen or a child to cross this street, on the
other hand, is extremely dangerous and irresponsible. Does the city have any plans to do
anything about this? Recent data show that the intersection of Central Avenue and Lake Street
has been especially dangerous. According to the city’s own statistics, three fatalities occurred
at that intersection in the past year alone. Over the past five years, the intersection witnessed
fourteen car accidents, five of which were fatal. These numbers officially qualify the
intersection as the most fatal and dangerous in the entire state. It should go without saying
that fatalities and accidents are not the clearest way of measuring the severity of this situation
because for each accident that happens, countless other close calls never contribute to city
data. I hope you will agree that these numbers alone are sufficient evidence that the
intersection at Central Avenue and Lake Street is hazardous and demands immediate
attention. Nearly all accidents mentioned are caused by vehicles trying to cross Central Avenue
while driving on Lake Street. I think the City of Lakeview should consider placing a traffic light
there to control the traffic going both ways. While I do not have access to any resources or
data that can show precisely how much a traffic light can improve the intersection, I think you
will agree that a controlled busy intersection is much safer than an uncontrolled one.
Therefore, at a minimum, the city must consider making the intersection a four-way stop. Each
day that goes by without attention to this issue is a lost opportunity to save lives and make the
community a safer, more enjoyable place to live. Because the safety of citizens is the priority of
every government, I can only expect that the Department of Transportation and the City of
Lakeview will act on this matter immediately. For the safety and well-being of Lakeview
citizens, please do not let bureaucracy or money impede this urgent project.
Sincerely, A Concerned Citizen
America’s Pastime
As the sun hits my face and I breathe in the fresh air, I temporarily forget that I am at a
sporting event. But when I open my eyes and look around, I am reminded of all things
American. From the national anthem to the international players on the field, all the sights and
sounds of a baseball game come together like a slice of Americana pie. First, the entrance
turnstiles click and clank, and then a hallway of noise bombards me. All the fans voices
coalesce in a chorus of sound, rising to a humming clamor. The occasional, “Programs, get your
programs, here!” jumps out through the hum to get my attention. I navigate my way through
the crowded walkways of the stadium, moving to the right of some people, to the left of
others, and I eventually find the section number where my seat is located. As I approach my
seat I hear the announcer’s voice echo around the ball park, “Attention fans. In honor of our
country, please remove your caps for the singing of the national anthem.” His deep voice
echoes around each angle of the park, and every word is heard again and again. The crowd
sings and hums “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and I feel a surprising amount of national pride
through the voices. I take my seat as the umpire shouts, “Play ball!” and the game begins. In
the fifth inning of the game, I decide to find a concessions stand. Few tastes are as American as
hot dogs and soda pop, and they cannot be missed at a ball game. The smell of hot dogs carries
through the park, down every aisle, and inside every concourse. They are always as unhealthy
as possible, dripping in grease, while the buns are soft and always too small for the dog. The
best way to wash down the Ball Park Frank is with a large soda pop, so I order both. Doing my
best to balance the cold pop in one hand and the wrapped-up dog in the other, I find the
nearest condiments stand to load up my hot dog. A dollop of bright green relish and chopped
onions, along with two squirts of the ketchup and mustard complete the dog. As I continue the
balancing act between the loaded hot dog and pop back to my seat, a cheering fan bumps into
my pop hand. The pop splashes out of the cup and all over my shirt, leaving me drenched. I
make direct eye contact with the man who bumped into me and he looks me in the eye, looks
at my shirt, tells me how sorry he is, and then I just shake my head and keep walking. “It’s all
just part of the experience,” I tell myself. Before I am able to get back to my seat, I hear the
crack of a bat, followed by an uproar from the crowd. Everyone is standing, clapping, and
cheering. I missed a home run. I find my aisle and ask everyone to excuse me as I slip past
them to my seat. “Excuse me. Excuse me. Thank you. Thank you. Sorry,” is all I can say as I inch
past each fan. Halfway to my seat I can hear discarded peanut shells crunch beneath my feet,
and each step is marked with a pronounced crunch. When I finally get to my seat I realize it is
the start of the seventh inning stretch. I quickly eat my hot dog and wash it down with what is
left of my soda pop. The organ starts playing and everyone begins to sing “Take Me Out to the
Ball Game.” While singing the song, putting my arms around friends and family with me, I
watch all the players taking the field. It is wonderful to see the overwhelming amount of
players on one team from around the world: Japan, the Dominican Republic, the United States,
Canada, and Venezuela. I cannot help but feel a bit of national pride at this realization. Seeing
the international representation on the field reminds me of the ways that Americans, though
from many different backgrounds and places, still come together under common ideals. For
these reasons and for the whole experience in general, going to a Major League Baseball game
is the perfect way to glimpse a slice of Americana
Types of Higher Education Programs
Today’s students have many choices when it comes to pursuing a degree: fouryear programs,
two-year programs, large or small classroom settings, and even daytime or evening classes.
With all the different options to consider, potential students should learn about the different
types of colleges so they can find a school that best fits their personality, budget, and
educational goals. One type of higher education program for students to consider is a liberal
arts college. These schools tend to be small in size and offer a range of undergraduate degrees
in subjects like English, history, psychology, and education. Students may choose a liberal arts
college if they want a more intimate classroom setting rather than large lecture-style classes.
Students may also consider a liberal arts college if they want to gain knowledge from a variety
of disciplines, rather than focus on a single area of study. Many liberal arts schools are
privately owned, and some have religious affiliations. Liberal arts schools can come with a
hefty price tag, and their high cost presents an obstacle for students on a tight budget;
moreover, while some students might appreciate a liberal arts school’s intimate atmosphere,
others might encounter a lack of diversity in the student body. Still, students seeking a well-
rounded education in the humanities will find liberal arts colleges to be one option.
Universities, another type of higher education program, offer both undergraduate and
graduate degrees. Usually universities are larger than colleges and can accommodate tens of
thousands of students in many different majors and areas of study. A large student body
means that class sizes are often larger, and some classes may be taught by graduate students
rather than professors. Students will feel at home at a university if they want a focused
academic program and state-of-the-art research facilities. While some universities are private,
many are public, which means they receive funding from the government, so tuition is more
affordable and some even offer discounted in-state tuition for state residents. Also,
universities attract many international students, so those looking for a variety of campus
cultural groups and clubs will appreciate a greater sense of diversity among the student body.
Universities can be overwhelming for some, but they are the right fit for students who seek
research opportunities and academic studies, especially in the fields of mathematics and
science. Community college is a type of higher education program popular with students on a
limited budget who want to take college courses but may not know what they want to major
in. Most schools offer degrees after two years of study, usually an associate’s degree that
prepares students to enter the work force; many students choose to study at a community
college for two years and then transfer to a four-year college to complete their undergraduate
degree. Like liberal arts schools, classes are small and allow instructors to pay more attention
to their students. Community college allows students to live at home rather than in a
dormitory, which also keeps costs down. While some young people might not like the idea of
living at home for school, many adults choose to attend community college so they can
advance their education while working and living with their families. Online universities are
another type of higher education program that are gaining popularity as technology improves.
These schools offer many of the same degree programs as traditional liberal arts colleges and
universities. Unlike traditional programs, which require students to attend classes and lectures,
online universities offer greater academic flexibility and are a great option for students wishing
to pursue a degree while still working full time. At online universities, students access course
materials, such as video lectures and assessments, remotely using a personal computer and
are able to speed up or slow down their progress to complete their degree at their own pace.
Students may attend classes in the comfort of their own home or a local library, but students
hoping for the social community of higher education might not enjoy this aspect of higher
education. With so many colleges and universities to choose from, it may be difficult for a
student to narrow down his or her selection, but once a student knows what he or she is
looking for, the process may become much easier.
How to Grow Tomatoes from a Seedling
Growing tomatoes is a simple and rewarding task, and more people should be growing them.
This paper walks readers through the main steps for growing and maintaining patio tomatoes
from a seedling. The first step in growing tomatoes is determining if you have the appropriate
available space and sunlight to grow them. All tomato varieties require full sunlight, which
means at least six hours of direct sun every day. If you have south-facing windows or a patio or
backyard that receives direct sunlight, you should be able to grow tomatoes. Choose the
location that receives the most sun. Next, you need to find the right seedling. Growing
tomatoes and other vegetables from seeds can be more complicated (though it is not difficult),
so I am only discussing how to grow tomatoes from a seedling. A seedling, for those who do
not know, is typically understood as a young plant that has only recently started growing from
the seed. It can be anything from a newly germinated plant to a fully flowering plant. You can
usually find tomato seedlings at your local nursery for an affordable price. Less than five dollars
per plant is a common price. When choosing the best seedling, look for a plant that is short
with healthy, full leaves and no flowers. This last point tends to be counterintuitive, but it is
extremely important. You do not want a vegetable plant that has already started flowering in
the nursery because it will have a more difficult time adapting to its new environment when
you replant it. Additionally, choose a plant with one strong main stem. This is important
because the fewer stems that a tomato plant has, the more easily it can transport nutrients to
the fruit. Multiple stems tend to divide nutrients in less efficient ways, often resulting in either
lower yields or smaller fruit. Once you have found the right seedlings to plant back home, you
need to find the best way of planting them. I recommend that you plant your tomatoes in
containers. If you have the space and sunlight, then you can certainly plant them in the
ground, but a container has several advantages and is usually most manageable for the
majority of gardeners. The containers can be used in the house, on a patio, or anywhere in the
backyard, and they are portable. Containers also tend to better regulate moisture and drain
excess water. Choose a container that is at least 10 inches in diameter and at least 1 foot deep.
This will provide sufficient room for root development.
In addition to the container, you also need the appropriate soil mixture and draining
mechanisms. For the best drainage, fill the bottom of your container with 2 or 3 inches of
gravel. On top of the gravel, fill ¾ of the container with soil. Choose a well-balanced organic
soil. The three main ingredients you will find described on soil bags are N-P-K—that is,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Without going into too much detail about the role of
each element in plant growth, I will tell you that an average vegetable will grow fine in a 10-5-5
mixture. This ratio, too, will be easy to find at your local nursery. Once you have the gravel in
the bottom of the container and the soil on top, you are ready to transplant the tomato. Pick
up the tomato in the plastic container it comes in from the nursery. Turn it upside down, and
holding the stem between your fingers, pat the bottom lightly several times, and the plant
should fall into your hand. Next, you should gently break up the root ball that formed in the
nursery container with your hands. Be gentle, but be sure to rip them up a bit; this helps
generate new root growth in the new container. Be careful not to damage the roots too much,
as this could stunt the growth or even destroy the plant altogether. Next, carve out a hole in
the soil to make space for the plant. Make it deep enough to go about an inch higher than it
was previously buried and wide enough so all the roots can comfortably fit within and beneath
it. Place the seedling in the hole and push the removed soil back on top to cover the base of
the plant. After that, the final step in planting your tomato is mulch. Mulch is not necessary for
growing plants, but it can be very helpful in maintaining moisture, keeping out weeds, and
regulating soil temperature. Place 2–3 inches of mulch above the soil and spread it out evenly.
Once the mulch is laid, you are mostly done. The rest is all watering, waiting, and maintenance.
After you lay the mulch, pour the plant a heavy amount of water. Water the plant at its base
until you see water coming through the bottom of the container. Wait ten minutes, and
repeat. This initial watering is very important for establishing new roots. You should continue
to keep the soil moist, but never soaking wet. One healthy watering each morning should be
sufficient for days without rain. You can often forego watering on days with moderate rainfall.
Watering in the morning is preferable to the evening because it lessens mold and bacteria
growth.